Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

### Directions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Steaks
Start by combining the **ground beef**, **breadcrumbs**, **milk**, **egg**, **chopped onion**, **Worcestershire sauce**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and **dried thyme** in a large mixing bowl. Add **salt** and **black pepper** to taste. Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the patties tough.

Once the mixture is ready, divide it into **4 equal portions** and shape each portion into a patty, about **1/2-inch thick**. Set the patties aside while you heat the skillet.

#### Step 2: Cook the Hamburger Steaks
In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the **vegetable oil** over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the hamburger patties to the pan. Cook the patties for about **4-5 minutes per side**, or until they are browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach **160°F**). Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

#### Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the **butter** to the pan and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits left behind from the hamburger patties (these bits add great flavor to the gravy). Once the butter is melted, add the **sliced onions** to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for about **8-10 minutes**, until the onions are soft and caramelized. Be patient here—this step adds a rich sweetness to the gravy.

Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle the **flour** over the onions and stir well to coat. This will help thicken the gravy. Cook for about **1 minute**, allowing the flour to absorb the fat and begin to form a roux.

Gradually pour in the **beef broth**, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the **Worcestershire sauce** and **soy sauce** (if using), and continue stirring. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another **4-5 minutes** until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Taste the gravy and season with **salt** and **black pepper** to taste.

#### Step 4: Combine the Patties and Gravy
Return the cooked hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the patties. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for an additional **5 minutes**, allowing the flavors to meld together and the patties to absorb some of the gravy.

#### Step 5: Serve
Once the patties are heated through and coated in the rich onion gravy, it’s time to serve. Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of **fresh parsley** for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the hamburger steaks with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a hearty, satisfying meal.

### Why You’ll Love Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

There’s so much to love about **Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy**, and here’s why this dish has stood the test of time:

– **Savory & Flavorful**: The hamburger steaks are perfectly seasoned, and when paired with the rich, caramelized onion gravy, it creates an irresistible combination of savory, umami flavors.
– **Comfort Food at Its Best**: This dish is a true comfort food—hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening.
– **Simple & Easy**: With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
– **Customizable**: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add a little heat with some **cayenne pepper** or **hot sauce** in the gravy, or toss in some **fresh herbs** like thyme or rosemary to elevate the dish. The possibilities are endless!
– **Great for Leftovers**: This dish makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors only get better the next day, and the gravy is perfect for pouring over leftover potatoes or bread.

### Tips for the Best Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

– **Use Fresh Ground Beef**: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, **80% lean ground beef**. This gives the patties enough fat to stay juicy without being too greasy.
– **Caramelize the Onions Slowly**: The key to a flavorful onion gravy is caramelizing the onions properly. Take your time and cook them until they’re golden brown and sweet—this step adds a lot of depth to the dish.
– **Don’t Skip the Gravy**: While the hamburger steaks are delicious on their own, the gravy really makes this dish special. It adds richness and ties all the flavors together.
– **Rest the Patties**: After cooking the hamburger steaks, let them rest for a few minutes before adding them to the gravy. This helps keep the juices inside the meat, making the patties tender and juicy.

### Conclusion

**Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy** is the ultimate comfort food that brings together savory, juicy beef patties with a rich, flavorful onion gravy. It’s a classic dish that never goes out of style, offering both satisfying flavor and nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for a special occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, **Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy** is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s a true Southern classic that brings warmth and joy to every meal. So, grab your skillet, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to serve a meal that will become a favorite in your household.